Smart Push Goes Global: Helping International Students Excel on the SAT, ACT, and PSAT
Every year, the United States welcomes more than 1.1 million international students to its colleges and universities. According to the Open Doors 2023-24 Report, India now sends the most students, with more than 331,000 enrolled, followed closely by China with 277,000. Together, these two countries account for over half of all international students in the U.S. Other top sending countries include South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Brazil, Japan, and Mexico.
For students from these regions, the dream of studying in the U.S. is tied closely to standardized testing and readiness for U.S.-style academics. This is where Smart Push Academic Coaching comes in.
Why SAT, ACT, and PSAT Still Matter
Even with the growth of test-optional admissions policies, the SAT, ACT, and PSAT remain influential in college admissions for international students.
SAT: Accepted by over 4,000 U.S. colleges and universities worldwide. In 2019, nearly 162,000 students outside the U.S. took the SAT, representing 200+ countries (College Board). Average SAT scores for international students entering U.S. universities were 1351, much higher than the U.S. average of 1068 (College Board Research).
ACT: Recognized by almost all U.S. institutions and offered at international test centers across the globe (ACT International Testing). Many students in Canada, Brazil, and Vietnam rely on ACT results to prove college readiness.
PSAT: Though less widely administered outside the U.S., the PSAT is available at many international and American-curriculum schools. It offers practice for the SAT and access to scholarship programs (College Board PSAT/NMSQT).
For international students, high scores can serve as proof of English proficiency, academic strength, and readiness for U.S. college coursework.
The Smart Push Solution: Custom International Boot Camps
At Smart Push Academic Coaching, we understand that students in India, China, Vietnam, and beyond face unique challenges. School calendars, time zones, and access to test centers vary widely. That is why we offer customized SAT, ACT, and PSAT boot camps designed around demand, not fixed schedules.
This flexibility allows us to:
Create targeted SAT prep for Indian students, with a focus on math problem-solving and English mastery.
Provide ACT coaching for Chinese, Vietnamese, and Brazilian students adjusting to U.S.-style multiple-choice exams.
Offer PSAT practice for students in Mexico, Nepal, and Taiwan, aligned with international school calendars.
Deliver virtual boot camps that adapt to student availability and local time zones.
Whether it is a small group of students at one international high school or a large cohort spanning multiple countries, Smart Push can design a tailored program to meet those needs.
Why International Students and Families Choose Smart Push
Flexible Delivery: We create programs based on demand instead of one-size-fits-all schedules.
Cultural Understanding: From Saudi Arabia to Canada, we understand different learning backgrounds.
College Focused Preparation: Our programs emphasize both test scores and academic readiness for U.S. universities.
Proven Strategies: Students receive practical test-taking techniques that have helped past participants earn higher scores and stronger applications.
A Word to International Counselors and Advisors
International school and university counselors play a crucial role in guiding students toward U.S. admissions. You already help students navigate transcripts, essays, and recommendations. Partnering with Smart Push gives your students an added advantage in test preparation.
Here’s how we can collaborate with counselors:
Customized Group Programs: Work with us to schedule SAT, ACT, or PSAT boot camps around your school calendar.
Workshops for Counselors: We provide updates on U.S. admissions testing changes, including the rollout of the digital SAT.
Score Analysis and Strategy: We help counselors and families interpret PSAT or practice SAT/ACT results and plan a testing strategy.
Ongoing Support: Counselors can connect families directly with Smart Push for tailored support, reducing the burden of coordinating test prep in-house.
Our goal is to complement your counseling program and ensure your students are fully prepared for the challenges of U.S. admissions.
Key Takeaways for Students and Counselors
Start Early: Use the PSAT and diagnostic tests to build confidence and identify strengths and weaknesses.
Leverage International Resources: Access local SAT and ACT test centers, but plan ahead since testing dates are limited in some countries.
Understand the Competition: International students often submit higher-than-average scores, which raises the bar for applicants.
Think Beyond Scores: Strong test performance, combined with counseling guidance and Smart Push prep, positions students for success in both applications and academics.
Ready to Compete for U.S. College Admission?
If you are a student, parent, or international school counselor searching for:
SAT prep India
ACT tutoring China
PSAT boot camp Vietnam
SAT preparation Saudi Arabia
ACT classes Brazil
PSAT prep Mexico
Smart Push Academic Coaching can create a tailored international boot camp to prepare your students for success.
Learn more or request a customized program at thesmartpush.com.